Truck side frame



Aug. 7, 1928.

D. S. BARROWS TRUCK SIDE FRAME atio'cmq gwuntoz Aug. 7, 1928.

D. S. BARROWS TRUCK S IDE FRAME Filed March 16, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet atented Au '7, 1928.

UNITED STATES T OFFICE.

DONAIJD S. BARROWS, OF ROCISfESTER, YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE SYMINGTON COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF MARYLAND.

TRUCK SIDE FRAME.

Application filed. March 16, 1925. Serial No. 15,857.

This invention relates to truck side frames for railway cars and more' particularly to such frames in which secondary stresses are decreased by the provision of articulated joints or connections between members thereof.

The principal object of my invention, generally considered, is the provision of what might be designated as a semi-articulated or articulated truck side frame .which is preferably formed as a single casting or at least is all cast at one time, provision being made for the formation of non-rigid joints between certain members of said frame.

An object of my invention is the provision of a truck side frame which is cast in a novel manner so that joints between certain members are formed, saidjoints being of a type which might be designated as pre-cast flexible joints because they are formed, with the exception of cleaning, drilling and inserting a pivotal connection, during said casting operation.

Another. object of my invention is the manufacture of a truck side frame which is preferably cast and in which certain members are pin-connected, thereby providing articulated joints, at the junctions'of members which, if rigid, would normally be subj ected to severe and possibly critical bending strains while under load.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a cast truck side frame consisttill ing of compression, tension and a plurality of separated strut members therebetween. the casting operation being so performed that pin-connected joints may be provided between said compression and tension members at the ends thereof and between said strut members and intermediate portions of said compression and tension members.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a novel method of casting truck side frames for forming non-rigid joints between members thereof to decrease secondary stresses therein, said method involving the use of thin cores to form interengaging loop or knuckle portions between said members whereby after the frame has been cast said loop or knuckle portions may be drilled for the reception of pivotal members, thereby providing articulated, nonrigid or flexible joints between the various members of said frame.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular details of elements and combinations of parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the drawings which I have chosen to illustrate certain embodiments of my inven- Figure 1 is a side elevation, showing a. truck side frame constructed in accordance wlth my invention, said frame being of the integral typeincluding journal boxes at the ends thereof.

Figures 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of Figure 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the right-hand end of the frame illustrated in Figure 1.

F1gure 4 is a vertical longitudinal sectlonal view on the line 4-4: of Figure 3, looking in the direction of the arrows.

F gure 5 is a partial side elevation, illustrat ng a modification of my invention.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view on the line 66 of Figure 5, and looking in the d1rection of the arrows.

. Figure 7 is a partial side elevation showmg a further modification of my invention.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line 8-8 of Figure 7, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Before attempting to describe the various embodiments of my invention in detail, it may be desirable to consider the underlying principles governing the construction of a truck side frame in accordance with my invention. The usual side frame is. in the form of a. three panel truss without diagonal or web members in the middle panel. In theory a truss of this form centrally loaded would not require these web members because the supporting forces at one end would equal those at the other and there would be no unbalanced shear in the middle panel to be transferred. Hence, the middle panel would theoretically retain its shape, without distortion, because of greater shear on one side than on the other. Practically, however, the sustaining forces are never exactly equal and there are longitudinal forces which would tend to distort the middle panel to one side or the other.

The clearance necessary for the bolster end and the bolster springs makes it impossible to complete the middle panel and the oints at the four corners ofsaid panel. Thls is a condition affecting all side frames em loying the usual bolster springs.

11 the typical frame under consideration 'the upper member is continuous over the Analyses various members in the three panels and is in direct compression for its entlre length. This compresslon pr0- duces a proportionate shortening in each of the three segments above the corresponding panels of the frame. The Vertical members separating thepanels are in tension under load and their length is therefore proportiona'tely increased. The lower truss member is in tension throughout its length and therefore each segment thereof is lengthened under load. 7

'jjDuring these simultaneous individual deformations as a whole the side frame under load changes in shape slightly so that the angles between various membersthereof are altered. A superficial inspection will show that in the center panel the upper interior angles are changed from approximately right to obtuse angles and the lower ones from approximately right to acute angles. In like manner, the three interior angles in each end panel are altered from their original angularities. It is obvious that in a frame without pin-connected joints the natural tendency of each angle to alter is resisted by the rigidity of the structure and therefore a bending stress is induced in each intersecting member" at each panel point. of destruction tests of rigid side frames and inspection of those frames which have broken in fair service point to one or another of these local bending moments as the ultimate cause of failure.

Sofar theforegoing analysis has been based on the assumption that the load is a plied to panel points and that no member 0 the frame has been obliged to function as a beam, in addition to carrying its direct stress due to truss action. In practice, the load is applied to the usual side frame over a-part'of the distance between the bolster glide portions so that the lower member low said portions and carrying the spring plank, has a partially distributed load in addition to direct tension. The effect of this load on the usual integral type of side frame is to cause the carrying member to assume a deflection curye, which makes the strains on certain portlons of the frame so much more acute. v

According to my invention I propose to reduce these secondary or bending stresses which ma be and are very apt to be the cause of ailure in service. by substituting non-rigid for the rigidjoints between the usual form of cast slde frame.

In the drawings in which corresponding inclusive, there is illustrated a truck side frame comprising a compression member 9, a tension member 11, strut members 12 and 13, and integral journal boxes 14 and 15 at the ends of said compression member 9. All of these parts, as illustrated, are formed as a single integral casting, but a non-rigid joint is provided at each end of the frame between the ends of the compression member 9 and the tension member 11. As illustrated, all of said members are generally of channel-formation with outwardly extending flanges or lips at the outer edges of the side walls of the channels but such a construction is not essential but is merely illustrative of one embodiment of my invention.

The strut members 12 and 13 have formed thereon bolster guide portions 16 and 17 rality of vertical or upright webs or flanges 19, 21 and 22. The outer flanges 19 and 22 may be formed as continuations of the side walls of the channel-shaped main portion of the compression member 9, and the intermediate flanged portion 21 may extend from the web portion 23 of the main portion of the compression member 9 and all of said web or flanged portions 19, 21 and 22 may extend between the compression member 9 and integral journal boxes 14 and 15 for rigidly uniting them.

Pockets 24 and 25 are formed between said flanges 19, 21 and 22 and in said pockets interengaging flanges, loop portions or lmuckles 26 and 27 of the tension member 11 extend. These knuckle portions 26 and 27 may be formed as continuations of the side walls of the channel portion comprising the tension member 11, said flanges, knuckles or loop ortions 26 extending between the flanges, uckles or loop portions 19 and 21 of the compression member, and the flanges, knuckles'or loop portions 27 extend between the flanges, knuckles or loop rtions 21 and 22 of the compression mem r. All of said flanges or knuckle portions are provided with corresponding apertures which are preferably formed by drilling, while the members are placed under a desired initial stress. Through these apertures, which may generally be designated as 28, a pivotal member or pin 29 is inserted whereby a non-rigid, articulated or pin-connected union between the ends of the tension and compression members is formed.

By so forming the connection between the ends of the tension member and the compression member, it is possible to eliminate the local unbalanced stresses set up in in tegral side frames at these points and hence to materially strengthen the side frame without increasing the weight of metal. The breakage of integral side frames at these points is due, in addition to concentration of local stresses, to stresses set up by deflection, as the angles at the ends of these members may tend to distort, under load,

to a greater degree than the angles formed at other junctions in the side frame.

Near the end of the tension member 11 where the same extends over the journal boxes 14 and 15, as shown in Figure 4, the web 31 of the member is preferably bent upwardly, as shown at 32, and connects with an intermediate portion of a transverse end wall 33 formed on the ends, of the tension member. The purpose of such an arrangement is to provide the necessary clearance between said tension member and the adjacent portions of the journal boxes 14 and 15.

The knuckle portions 26 and 27 extend directly from the end portion 33 at substantially right angles thereto, as illustrated most clearly in Figure 3.

The method of casting a side frame such as illustrated in Figure 1, is as follows:

A mold of the desired form is made for casting the entire frame including the journal boxes, if desired, but it is obvious that such a frame may be cast without journal boxes, merely with flanges or other means for connecting the desired journal boxes thereto. Relatively thin and fiat cores are inserted in the mold at positions correspond ing to the spaces 34, 35, 36 and 37, between the cooperating sides of the knuckle portions 19, 26, 21, 27 and 22, so that when the metal is poured these various portions will not be cast together as one piece. By reason, of this, the separated interengaging loops or knuckles on the compression and tension members are formed when the side frame is cast.

After removal of the casting from the mold and cores, each set of interengaging loops or knuckles is preferably drilled for the receptionbf the pins 29 for connecting said compressiomand tension members. The drilling is accomplished either with or without the creation of an artificial camber or reverse stress in the compression member by means of an assembling press. The pin should be as small as possible while having the requisite strength to reduce the friction arm which resist-s rotation.

It will be apparent that, as illustrated, the pin is placed in quadruple shear but it is obvious that I do not wish to be limited to such a showing as it may be placed in double or any other shear bychangingthe number of interengaging knuckle portions to correspond.

As a frame such as illustrated in Figure 1 is not completely articulated, change 1n angularity at the junction of the tension memberand the strut members must be taken care of by deflection in the tension member. The tension member may therefore be made thinner and wider at the desired deflection point if deemed advisable.

' When the journal boxes 14 and 15 are formed integral with the compression member 9, as illustrated the flanges or webs 19 and 22 are preferably widened or extended, as illustrated, to partially surround the sides of the journal boxes at 38 and 39, thereby providing a. rigid union between said journal boxes and the compression member.

. nccted to the tension member if desired.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is illustrated a modification in which a side frame is formed with a flexible joint between the strut portions 12 and the compression member 9 in addition to the flexible joint be- .tween the ends of compression and tension nembers. In this embodiment the strut portions 12 are integral with the tension member 11 and extend toward the compresson member 9 to which they are non-rigidly connected by means of a pin or pivotal member 41 extending through corresponding perforations or apertures in corresponding knuckle portions or flanges 42, 43 and 44 on the compression member 9 and t5 and 46 on the strut member 12*.

Although in this modification the strut member 12 is shown rigid with the tens on member 11 and pivotally connected with the compression member 9, it is obvious that the connections might be reversed, the strut member being integral or rigid with the compression member 9 and pivotally connected with the tension member 11. Although only a portion of the side frame is illustrated in Figure 5, it is obvious that the other half thereof is a duplicate of that shown and that \two. strut portions 12 are employed similar to the showing in Figure 1.

The method of forming the joint between 12% and 9 may be similar to that described in connection with the formation of the joints between compression and tension members in Figure 1 so that the formation of this joint as well as the formation of the joint formed by the pin 29 between compression and tension members in this modification need not be further described.

The reason for casting thisframe all at once, as in the first modification is that in this way metal of the same character is and that said frame tween various members of the those described in 0 formed or apt to be formed in all parts of the frame; It is obvious, however, that I do. not wish to be restricted to this method of making the frame as, if desired, the compression member may be cast separately from the tension member and its associated strut members. 5

Referring to Figures 7and 8,. a similar construction is illustrated except that in this case the strut members 13 are. pin-connected or formd with articulated joints with respect to both the compression member 9 and the tension member 11 The joint between the 'strut member 13 and the compression mem ber 9 is formed similarly to that shown in Figures 5 and 6, a pivotpin 41 extending through flanges or knuckle portions 42, 43" and 44 on the compression member 9 and through interengaging corresponding flanges or knuckle portions 45 and 46 on the strut member 13". member 13 is similarly connected to the tension member 11", the pivot pin 47 extending through flanges or knuckle portions 48, 549 and 51 on the tension member 11" and through cooperatin flanges or knuckle portions 52 and 53 on t e lower end of the strut member 13. Although onlyhalf of the frame is shown in Figure 7,.it isobvious that the other half is a duplication of that illustrated.

The compression, tension and strut mem bers may be cast simultaneously as described in connection with the formation of the frame illustrated in Figure 5 with flat cores servin to form the cooperating knuckle'portions or making the pin tween the members so th character occurs throughout the entire ame. It is obvious, however, that I do not 'wish to be restricted to such a method of manufacture. as the compression, tension and strut members may be separately cast if desired and afterward fitted together and pinconnected, as illustrated. The other portions of the modific ures 5 to 8, inclusive, 'may be the same as onnection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive.

In view of the foregoing it will be appreciated that a strong and economical side frame for railway car trucks may be manufactured in accordance with my invention may be lighter in weight than heretofore for the same strength because various deleterious and possibly critical secondary stresses are eliminated by the provision of. articulated connections beframe at places where angular deformation no to occur. 1 Q

Having now described my invention, I clann:

1. A 'cast truck side frame comprising flanged compression and tension members The lower. end of the strut connected joints beat metal of the same atlons illustrated in Fig- I rmally tendswith a non-rigid connection between the ends' thereof.

2. A cast truck sideframe involving flanged tension and compression members semi-articulated to each other.

3. A cast truck side frame comprising compression and tension members U-shape in section and pivotally-connected at the ends thereof.

4.. A cast truck side frame of the arch bar type with flanged members and pivotal connections therebetween. 5. A truck side frame comprising a plurality of cast elements angular in section joined in trussed relation and articulated at junctions thereof.

6. Atruck side frame comp compression member, member, and articulated joints therebetween.

7. A truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, one of said members being provided with a strut portion extending toward the other, the ends of. the. compression and. tension members being non-rigidly united and the end of the 90 strut portion being non-rigidly united to an intermediate adjacent portion of the other member.

8. A truck side frame comprising a compression member and a tension member, said tension member eing provided with a strut portion extending toward the compression member, the ends of the compression and tension members being pivotally-connected and the end of the strut portion being pivotallyc'onnected to an intermediate ad acent portion of the com ression member.

9. A truck si e frame comprising a compression member and a tension member, one of said members being provided with a plurality of strut portions extending toward the other member and providing space there between for receiving a bolster and sprin members, the ends of the compression an tension members being non-rigidly united and the ends of the strut portions being non-rigidly connected to intermediate adjacent portions of the other members.

10. A truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and a 115 strut member therebetween non-rigidly united with both of said members.

11. A truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and a spacing member 'therebetween articulated 120 with respect to both of said members.

12. A truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, and a strut member, therebetween pin-connected with both tension and compression members 125 at intermediate portions thereof.

13. A truck side frame comp pression member, a tension member, and a plurality of separated strut members nonrigidly united with both compression and. 130

rising a flanged a flanged tension rising acomtension members at intermediate portions thereof. p

141. A truck side frame comprising an integral casting formed with compression and tension members, interengaging loop or knuckle portions on the ends of said members, and pins intersecting said loop or knuckle portions for non-rigidly connecting said members.

15. A truck side frame comprising .a compression member and a tension member, one

of said members being provided with an integral strut portion extending from an intermediate portion thereof toward an intermediate portion of the other member, interengaging loop or knuckle portions on the ends of said compression, tension and strut portions and on the intermediate portion of the other member with which said strut. portion engages, and pins intersecting all of said loop or knuckle portions for nonrigidly connecting said members.

16. A truck side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, said tension member being provided with a lurality of separated strut portions exten ing toward and cooperatingwith intermediate portions of the compression member, interengaging loop or knuckle portions on the ends of the compression, tension, strut portions, and cooperating intermediate portions of the compression member, and pins intersectin said loop or knuckle portions for non-rigi ly connecting said members. 17. A truck side frame comprising a compression'member, a tension member, a strut member therebetween, interengaging loop or knuckle portions on the ends of all of said members and the portions of the compression and tension member engaged by said strut member, and pivotal means intersecting all of said loop or knuckle portions for non-rigidly connecting said members.

18. A truck side frame comprising com pression and tension members, a plurality of strut or spacing members separated for receiving a bolster and associated members therebetween, interengaging loop or knuckle portions on the ends of all of said members and the cooperating intermediate portions of the compression and tension members, and pins intersecting all of said loop or knuckle portions for non-rigidly connecting said members.

19. The method of forming an integral side frame comprising making a mold of a desired form, inserting cores at the ends of vthe mold where the junctions of compression and tension members are formed, said cores being relatively thin, fiat and adapted to form separated interengaging loop or knuckle portions on the respective members,

casting the frame in said mold around said 7 cores, drillin loops or knuc es for a pin, and applying said pins to form articulated connections. between the ends of said compression and tension members to reduce secondary stresses in the frame.

20. The method of forming a truck side frame comprising making a mold of the desired form for a complete frame, comprising compression, tension and strut portions therebetween, inserting cores at the ends of the mold where the junctions of compression and tension members are formed, inserting cores at the junctions between where one of said members and the intermediate strut portions are formed, said cores being relatively thin, flat and adapted to form separated interengaging loops or knuckles on the respective members, casting the frame in said mold around said cores, separating the casting from the molds and cores, drilling each of said interengaging loops or knuckles for a pin, and applying said pins to form articulated connections between the ends of said compression and tension members and the ends of said strut members and the intermediate portions of the other member whereby a semi-articulated side frame is formed for the reduction of secondary stresses therein.

21. The method of making a cast truck side frame formed of compression, tension and strut members between intermediate portions of said compression and tension members, desired form for all of said members, inserting cores at the ends of the mold at the junctions of compression and tension members and at the junctions of the strut members and the intermediate portions of the tension and compression members, all of said cores being relatively thin, flat and adapted to form separated interengaging loops or knuckles on the respective members, casting the frame in said mold around said cores, separating the casting from mold and cores, drilling each set of interengaging loops or knuckles for receiving a pin, and inserting said pins to form articulated connections between the ends of said compression and tension members and intermediate portions comprising making a mold of the each set of interengaging of said compression and tension members 

